Never Forget

20 years ago, September 11, 2001— an unimaginable event happened on US soil. At 8:20 a.m. the media reported that a tragic accident occurred, involving a passenger jet crashing into a New York skyscraper.

However, the world would soon learn that just minutes after the plane departed from the airport, Islamic, radical terrorists, had hijacked the airliner, filled with unsuspecting passengers. 

Discovering the events which took place prior to the crash, were disturbing— in order to take over the airplane, the hijackers mercilessly broke into the cockpit, brutally killing anyone who got in their way, including both pilots. 

Without regard for any human life, the terrorists, purposefully, and methodically flew the passenger jet into the North Tower of The World Trade Center, also known as the “Twin Towers.” (At the time, these towers were the world’s tallest buildings).

Around 9:00 a.m., the news media went live from the scene of the crash, to publicize this incomprehensible catastrophe. As the news traveled across the vast array of networks, suddenly, a new report came across, which was as disturbing as the first. Confirmation that a flight attendant, aboard a different flight, had alerted air traffic control that yet another hijacking was underway.

Within minutes, that passenger jet would also crash into the second tower. Two airplanes hitting the tallest buildings in Manhatten…this was no accident, it was clear, we were under attack. 

Fear and disbelief flooded New York and households across America.

The upper level of the towers exploded from the violent impact of the planes. Fuel consumed the massive buildings in a fiery inferno. People began frantically calling their loved ones from inside the burning buildings, to tell others about what was happening, and sadly most called to say their last words, “Goodbye, I love you.” 

As the towers burned, the metal began to give way. Shortly after impact, the building debris began to fall violently to the ground, hitting bystanders, wounding and killing several individuals, whose feet were firmly planted as they looked up in disbelief. Everyone was trying to make any reasonable assumption as to why this was happening.

To the shock of many, included among the debris, were bodies of people who fell or jumped out of the 110 story buildings. The additional casualties sustained unbelievable physical and emotional trauma, as jumping to their death was justified as an alternative to burning alive. 

Without hesitation, first responders swiftly ran into the burning buildings.  As heroic as the act of climbing a 110 story staircase ablaze was…most never made it to their injured or trapped victims — they also lost their lives in the process of doing their job, saving others.  

At 9:37 a.m, news circulated that a third jet had now crashed into the Pentagon. President, George W. Bush, and other top officials were taken immediately to a secure location. Secret Service personnel began evacuating the White House as it was thought to be the next possible target of the attacks. 

To counter further potential attacks, the Secretary of Defense ordered all pilots to divert to the closest available airport. Flights were immediately grounded. An executive command was declared; if an airliner was noncompliant with the order, the military had clearance to shoot down the plane. Fighter jets scrambled across America, and then the sky grew eerily silent, as all planes were now grounded.

At 10:28 a.m. The first World Trade Center collapsed from the immense fire. Within minutes, the second tower also fell, taking down additional buildings nearby, and killing hundreds more. It was as if we were all watching a fictional story on a movie screen, with detonations strategically placed for implosion. Yet, this was happening live, before a stunned world of helpless bystanders. 

Later a fourth plane was reported to have been hijacked, however, this plane never made it to its intended destination. Incredibly several brave passengers placed matters into their own hands and took on a valiant fight with the terrorists. Many of the passenger’s friends and family received a phone call describing their dilemma and what they intended to do to stop the terrorists, however, this also meant those very passengers would never return home, as they fought to their death and the plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

Thousands of lost lives ended tragically that day.  Hundreds of first responders, civilians, government workers, businessmen, women, and innocent children died due to multiple, evil, acts of terrorism.  

The tragedy did not end on September 11, 2021, thousands planned funerals to bury those who were taken by the evil of terrorism.

Due to the massive building collapse, fires, and crashes, numerous bodies were never recovered. Thus families could not say a traditional and much needed goodbye. 

Military groups were deployed by the thousands, who went to avenge and bring to justice those who orchestrated this horrific event. Although many were brought to justice, thousands of military servicemen and women also lost their lives in the line of duty.

Many still suffer today from the events that unfolded on 9-11. PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and other mental health maladies are burdens that carry a heavy weight on their victims.  

Additionally, the first responders who survived working at the scene of the towers collapsed, and people in the buildings or nearby, still suffer from ongoing respiratory problems and other major health effects caused by the smoke, debris, and dust that engulfed the city.  

This day forever changed the lives of every single person who watched the surreal events unfold, or lived through this tragic day.

The phrase “Never Forget” is forever tied to 9-11, and tied to these things;

“Never Forget” that 0n 9-11 the days that followed, when America stepped up in unity and rallied to help one another. We rejected hate and embraced selflessly loving each other. 

“Never Forget” We must each choose how we live out our lives. Each terrorist had free will to decide how they wanted to live their lives and carry out their beliefs, and they chose the path of evil. As Christians & Americans, we each have the freedom to choose how we will live and carry our faith, we must do so with integrity, choosing to do good over evil, as no one is free from the consequences of our choices and actions. 

“Never Forget” that evil is real, but so is the power of God. He will have the final say at the end of each life. He will be the ultimate Judge, Jury, and Prosecution to those who carry out such wickedness. 

“Never Forget” We must each decide if we want to be part of the problems in this world or the solution to the problems.

“Never Forget” Today you have the choice to be a force for the good, and turn away from evil, embracing the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. You exist to make a difference in the lives of your family and those in your community. 

Never forget. 

A 4 Part Counseling Series, led by Christina Calk, Is Coming This Week. You won’t want to miss this life-changing message. (the videos can be found in the course catalog)

Technology allows access to readily available information, which is often only one click away. However, the enemy has used the same technology to provide a gateway to harmful information. These sites are developed by people, whose only agenda is to promote sexual immorality and pornography. These disturbing images are easily visible on the screens of devices meant for communication, work, or learning.

Christina Calk, founder of Open Door Counseling, is committed to assisting individuals and families in combating the devastation caused by exposure to pornography. In this 4 part series, Christina provides vital information on how to establish healthy boundaries when faced with temptation. Each section provides practical applications needed to prevent and overcome sexual addiction. You can walk in the power of God’s word and experience victory in the very area the enemy aspires to use against you. There is no shame in finding freedom.

September 13, 2019 or (9-13-19)

Today, is Friday the 13th, will you stop in your tracks due to superstitious fears or walk in freedom? Gods word clearly shows what freedom means, which is not bound by fear, restraint, or powerlessness.

1 Corinthians 9:13-19

13 Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?

14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.

16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.

18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Genesis 9:13 

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Exodus 9:13 

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me,

Amos 9:13

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills…

Matthew 9:13

“Go and find out what this means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice.’”

Family or individual trauma is remembered in the body on a cellular level as well as felt deeply in the spirit. The brain literally remembers (even if only subconsciously) and when physical stress or emotional triggers arise, a person responds in a fight, flight, or stay mode.Trauma can change many things about a person…how they think, feel, react to surroundings or people and even in their level of spirituality. Trauma sufferers perceive the world as detrimentally changed by the challenged and often horrible moments. When individuals believe their trauma is lessening and they are moving through life, maturing intellectually or physically, they are often subconsciously and emotionally stuck in those dark moments. Too often families are impacted and suffer, relationships are broken and hope seems lost for attaining or regaining happiness.
Here’s where hope steps into your struggle.
If you want to know more about how to find hope and healing from trauma; “Healing from Trauma” workshops ,seminars or public speaking events are available.

Great morning getting the opportunity to share all about loving each other and how we can each make a difference in our own community!

Book a conference or counseling

SPARK Worldwide

SPARK in the Park

Open Door Church

Follow my page on ministry FB here 

I love Biblical stories about Jesus, especially when there is a miracle.

Even as a young child, I was drawn to accounts regarding the profound miracles Jesus performed.

In Mark chapter 5, a woman presses her way through a crowd just to get a glimpse of Jesus. Out of faith she touches his clothing and immediately Jesus asks, “Who touched my garments?”

After discovering who it was, Jesus assured her.

Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. 

What a miracle!

In a chaotic and frenzied setting, Jesus not only acknowledges the woman’s humility and faith, but instantly performs a miraculous healing in her body.

Discovering this story strongly impacted my faith. This gracious healing assured me that the nature of Jesus in itself is miraculous.

Every effort thrown at us by the enemy was meant to destroy us, yet God was doing a work within us that was much greater! Christina Calk

{Tweet This}

He desires to bring complete wholeness and healing.

When our world feels chaotic and turbulent, following Jesus wherever he leads — willingly carrying out whatever He asks, and expectantly awaiting whatever miracle He desires to do in or through us — remains the same as when he healed a woman who simply touched his garment.

I have personally experienced miraculous healing through Jesus, yet in ways I never expected, through one overwhelming tragedy after another.

I suffered through a difficult and complicated pregnancy, and delivered premature twins at 32 weeks gestation. One of my babies did not survive.

Doctors told me that our surviving preemie daughter would likely not walk, see and may be deaf. She remained in the NICU for months struggling to survive, yet proved to be a fighter.

A few years later my husband was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. He suffered multiple injuries requiring over 27 corrective surgeries, numerous doctor’s visits, and years of recovery.

Not long after his accident I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. I went through numerous rounds of invasive testing, procedures, and several cycles of immunosuppressive therapy.

Needless to say, we were anguished, languishing in strength and often felt hopeless.

There were two common threads that existed within each of our struggles. First, every battle we faced required extensive treatment, long stays in the intensive care unit and a fight to survive. We were individuals that the enemy wanted out of commission.

Second and most important, every battle was hard fought at the feet of Jesus.

We never wavered from calling out to the Lord asking, believing and claiming healing in Jesus name. Every effort thrown at us by the enemy was meant to destroy us, yet God was doing a work within us that was much greater!

We faced arduous circumstances and to this day still face battles, yet through Jesus we are victorious and more than conquerors!

Healing arrived in the complete physical healing of our daughter.

Healing came in the form of emotional and spiritual healing of my husband’s wounded spirit.

And in me, healing from hopelessness and restoration of joy is ever present as I minister to those who suffer.

Each of these are miracles through faith in Jesus.

Guest Blog Excerpt from Suzie Eller http://tsuzanneeller.com/2016/06/21/miracles-in-hard-places/